FICTION

The Spooky Box

by Mark GONYEA
illus. by author. 32p. Holt. 2013. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-8813-7. LC 2012013528.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 2—This picture book uses a simple design of orange and black angular silhouettes to convey an air of mystery. Readers with vivid imaginations can expand the repeated question, "I wonder what's inside?" concerning a box left at the front door. The unseen, unnamed narrator tosses out some suggestions: spiders, snakes, and other spooky items. The one page that has a flap is disappointing with no additional clues revealed. However, the book leaves an opening for creative storytellers to make more of the bare-bones text and to use the framework for an inventive reading.—Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA
A knock at the door reveals a mysterious black box. While the offstage narrator speculates about what could be inside, each spread shows the scary possibilities: bats, rats, spiders, and more. Eventually, the reader lifts a flap to reveal the answer: two smaller boxes, leading to more guesses. The lively direct-address text should keep children engaged ("What do you think could be inside?"), and Gonyea's graphically bold illustrations make the most of his black, gold, and white palette with flat shapes showing possibilities that are just suspenseful enough to keep the pages turning. lolly robinson
Reviewed by Blair Christolon , Oct 01, 2013

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